Preservationist guilty in arsons

A man accused of setting fire to luxury homes under construction near protected desert land pleaded guilty Wednesday to extortion and other charges.

Mark Warren Sands, 50, said he was trying to stop development. Under a plea agreement, he agreed to a 15-year prison term and to pay an estimated $3.1 million in restitution. Sentencing was set for Feb. 11.

Sands was arrested June 14. He was accused of setting eight fires over a nine-month period at seven properties on the edge of protected desert areas near Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Sands became a suspect in April after police caught him using a red marker on a sign hanging on a home under construction. Police had been watching the property after leaflets were found that said "Thou shalt not desecrate God's creation" and signed CSP--or Coalition to Save the Preserve.

In court, Sands admitted writing to the media and to property owners warning the fires would continue near protected land.

Sands was indicted based on statements made to a friend who taped their talks for the FBI.